1978 Tabriz protests

1978 Tabriz protests refers to the events that occurred on 18 February 1978, 40 days after the 1978 Qom protest. Several clerics in Qom and other major cities across Iran had announced the 40th-day commemoration for those killed during the Qom incidents. Also, announcements were published in universities a few days before the 40th-day commemoration of the events in Qom, inviting students and professors to close the university and join the demonstrators. The most prominent of the developments occurred in Tabriz. On the announced day, 18 February 1978, a large crowd was led by Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabataba'ei towards the Qezelli mosque, which was closed by the police to prevent the 40th-day commemoration from being held. The clash over the mosque closure, between police and the people, led to the death of a young student protester, Mohammad Tajalli, whose body was then taken to the streets. People attacked wine stores and cinemas and set fire to the Rastakhiz Party headquarters. As a result, at least 14 people were killed and 125 others injured.